This picture shows what may be the world's first electric car - built by a Victorian inventor in 1884. Thomas Parker: He is in the light suit in the front of the car.Sitting aboard is Thomas Parker, who was responsible for innovations such as electrifying the London Underground, overhead tramways in Liverpool and Birmingham, and the smokeless fuel coalite.Last week the government announced it wanted to create a mass market in electric cars in order to cut down carbon emissions. Parker claimed he had invented the electric car as early as 1884, and he also had a hand in refining car batteries for petrol-powered models.He also stood unsuccessfully for Parliament for the Liberal Party in the 1892 General Election, where he earned the name of "honest Tom Parker", and was interested in establishing a metric system of weights and measures and even decimal coinage.He died in December 1915.The photographs of the electric car are kept by his great-grandson Graham Parker, a 76-year-old former BBC Look East weatherman.Mr Parker, who lives in Eaton, near Norwich, said he still marvelled at the range of ideas his great-grandfather had."He was into anything really," he said. "Anything on four wheels was quite a novelty, people were terrified of the things and someone with a red flag had to walk in front of it."Electricity was even more terrifying because it was something you couldn't see or touch, there seemed to be quite a lot of resistance to it."But with the French working on a rival petrol driven engine, the inventor soon turned his thoughts to other forms of mass transport."I don't think all that many were made because he was more interested in trams and tramways," he added. "He was one of the early people thinking about pollution."People in London were fed up sitting in the smoke. He went down to London to oversee the electrification process."For the Parkers inventing was almost a family business with both grandfather, Thomas Hugh Parker, and father, Howard Edward Parker following in the tradition.In fact Thomas Hugh Parker shared his father's flair for design and innovation, even building a steam powered car in 1901 before later working on modern car features such as hydraulic brakes and four wheel steering.He also claimed to have invented the spark plug, monoblock engine and the carburettor.The tradition lives on through Mr Parker's oldest son, Alun, who is also an engineer who has worked on projects ranging from the West Coast mainline to the Panama Canal, and Crossrail."It's interesting how history repeats itself," Mr Parker said. "But it stopped when it got to me - though somebody once commented that as a weather forecaster, I was the biggest inventor of the lot."

Ever since the debut of the original Ford Mustang 45 years ago, there has been an ongoing debate about what to call the pony cars built between April and August of 1964. Are they “1964½” Mustangs or 1965 models?
Technically, all of the original Ford Mustangs are 1965 models because all carry a 1965 model year Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
But the majority of Mustang enthusiasts throughout the world are purists at heart, and they know very well that the vehicles produced from April to August of 1964 were different enough from those manufactured during the remainder of the model year to warrant giving them another name.
“An entire generation has grown up calling these vehicles ‘1964½.’ It is part of the lexicon of Mustang history,” said John Clor, author of The Mustang Dynasty. “Technically, all of the original Mustangs are 1965 models, but true enthusiasts know that production of the car ran for a year and a half and that the car changed after the first six months.”
The biggest change was in the electrical system. The so-called 1964½ Mustangs used generators while those made during the standard 12-month 1965 model year used alternators. Also, the V-8 option was different. The 1964½ models used the 260-cubic inch V-8 engine, while the 1965 models employed a 289-cubic inch V-8 engine.
“People like to say there is no such thing as a 1964½ Mustang, and in theory they are correct,” said Charles Turner, national head judge for the Mustang Club of America (MCA). “But there is a wide range of little differences between the cars built before and after August of 1964 that make them very unique. The MCA accepts the 1964½ as a model year because we view it as a different car.”
Those lucky enough to own a Mustang built between April and August of 1964 view their pony cars as a totally different breed of the steed.
“We take exception to someone calling them 1965 Mustangs because the ’64½ was a unique car when it was introduced, and it is a very special thing to own one,” said Fred Glazier, who bought his Rangoon Red Mustang coupe in May of 1964. “When you tell someone you have a 1964½ Mustang, people who understand Mustangs know what you’re talking about.”

Several original owners of the 1964½ Mustang will attend the Ford Mustang 45th anniversary celebration with their beloved pony cars April 17-21 in Birmingham, Ala.
The 45th anniversary celebration is expected to draw more than 2,500 Mustang enthusiasts and their cars as well as hundreds of thousands of spectators
When Phil Florio bought his 1964½ Wimbledon White Ford Mustang, he says it was “love at first sight.” Forty-five years later, the love affair is still going strong.
“I’m going to be 71 in May, but when I get behind the wheel of that car and turn the key, I’m 25 years old again,” said Florio, of Summerfield, Fla. “It keeps me young.”
Florio is one of nine original owners of the 1964½ Mustang – America’s first pony car – who will display and share stories about their beloved steeds at the Ford Mustang 45th anniversary celebration, which will be held April 17-21 at the Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Ala.
Florio says he cherished his muscle car from the start.
“I used to drive the car in New York in the middle of winter, and when I got home I’d get blue hands trying to wash the snow and salt off of it in the freezing cold weather,” said Florio. “I loved the car, and knew when I bought it that I was going to keep it for as long as I possibly could.”
For many original Mustang owners – like Florio and Laki Malamatenio, who owns a 1964½ Poppy Red Mustang 289 that he refers to affectionately as “Poppy” – the car is more than just a fast, fun and affordable means of transportation. It is an integral part of the fabric of their lives.
“‘Poppy’ took me to Las Vegas to get married. She took me to the hospital when both of my children were born, and she’s taken the whole family on vacation,” said Malamatenio, of Grass Valley, Calif. “My whole life flashes before my eyes when I get into that car.”
Malamatenio says his Mustang also has special meaning because he used it to buy his first home.
“We wanted to buy a house, but we didn’t have enough money for a down payment,” he said. “The car was paid off, so I took out a home loan using ‘Poppy’ as collateral.”
To Malamatenio, “Poppy” is part of the family.
“Sometimes when I’m working on her, my wife says ‘You spend more time with her than you do with me,’” he laughed.
Fred Glazier’s Rangoon Red Mustang coupe also brings back poignant memories, he says.
“I dated my wife in it. We took it on our honeymoon, and we brought both of our children home from the hospital in it,” said Glazier, of Souderton, Pa. “We are emotionally attached to this car, and I always tell me kids, ‘When I die, you better not sell it, or I’ll come back to haunt you.’”
Glazier says his 1964½ Mustang inspired him to leave a career as a pharmaceutical representative and start a new vocation restoring antique cars.
“I’ve specialized in the restoration of Mustangs since 1979,” he said. “A few years ago, I started working on my car, and today it looks like it did when I first bought it.”
Kathy Miller, of Boardman, Ohio, says she will never forget the day she received her 1964½ Prairie Bronze Mustang coupe as a high school graduation present from her mom and dad,
“I was so surprised that day, and I’ve had the car ever since,” she said. “It went to college at Ohio State with me, and it was the car that I drove for my first job selling real estate.”
Miller says she and her husband also drove the car on their wedding day.
“My son restored the Mustang five years ago, and there was still rice in the dashboard,” she chuckled. “There’s a lot of nostalgia surrounding that car.”
For Edgar “Alex” Alexander, his black 1964½ Mustang convertible was an impulse purchase he never once second-guessed.
“My first wife and I needed a car, and we had no conception of what we wanted,” he said. “There was a Mustang convertible on the lot, and my wife fell in love with it so we just ordered it.”
Alexander says the car garnered a lot of attention wherever the couple went.
“We would go to the store or to the movies, and when we came out there would be a half dozen people or more looking at the car,” he said. “It was really cool.”
He says the pride of ownership continued to grow over the years.
“At the beginning it was a car,” he said. “Now, it’s a treasure.”

Continuity, stability and the willingness to listen to and implement Mustang customer feedback help keep the pony car on top
Key members who worked on the last major Mustang redesign in 2005 also contributed to the 2010 model
The 2010 Mustang will be in dealer showrooms this spring with a starting price of $20,995
DEARBORN, Mich., April 16, 2009 – No doubt, people have a special connection to the Ford Mustang. Nine million sold since the iconic muscle car’s introduction in 1964, including the past 22 years as the best seller in its segment, are testament to Mustang’s success and the passion it engenders.
But what about the people who design, engineer and build Mustang? Is it just another job to them?
Hardly.
“Mustang is a special car, and it requires a special group of people to design, engineer and manufacture Mustang,” said David Pericak, Mustang chief nameplate engineer. “We’re fortunate to have a strong core group of talented people who understand what Mustang is and what it takes to produce this world-class car.”
Continuity and passion are two of the linchpins of the ongoing success of Mustang. For all involved, creating Mustang literally is a dream job. Key members of the team who worked on the last major upgrade, which was the 2005 model, also contributed to the 2010 edition.
“The experience of the team is a huge benefit to us,” said Keith Knudsen, supervisor, Mustang vehicle architecture. “Not only do we have better relationships that come from working together over the long term, we’ve all been part of the program long enough to hear the customer feedback as a group, understand concerns and agree where we wanted to make improvements.”
One customer-driven improvement for the new Mustang is moving the windshield washer nozzles off the hood and into spot recessed in the cowl. This seemingly minor change brings about several benefits, including better aerodynamics, less wind noise, a cleaner appearance, no washer fluid on the hood, and, perhaps most important, the smooth surface allows customers to easily customize the hood with racing stripes.
“Overall, it shows great attention to a small detail, and that’s indicative of many parts and systems on the 2010 Mustang,” said Tom Barnes, vehicle engineering manager. “Together, they all make a big difference.”
A host of other customer-generated improvements can be found on the 2010 Mustang, including:
Increased horsepower on the V-8 models through a cold-air induction system
Bigger wheels (19-inch option) and tires (245 mm)
Moved antenna to rear, improving appearance, aerodynamics and wind noise
Improved interior craftsmanship
Reduced interior noise
More usable interior stowage, including larger door pockets and seat back map pockets, along with covered cup holders
Interior trunk release
Electronic automatic temperature control
Steering wheel audio controls
Automatic headlamps
Rear-vision camera
Outside temperature indicator
Sequential rear turn signals
Flipping the tachometer and speedometer so the left hand on the steering wheel doesn’t block the tachometer
Flush design of the console bin so the elbow doesn’t hit it while shifting
Softened edges on the side of the center stack and instrument panel to make it a friendlier contact point for drivers with long legs
Improved execution of the console’s rear edge for improved rear passenger knee and leg space
Here’s a closer look at some of the key customer-driven improvements on the 2010 Mustang and how they were executed:More-refined interior: The foundation of the 2010 Mustang’s world-class interior is a new, one-piece soft instrument panel exquisitely crafted in seamless TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin) skin, fully encompassing textured or genuine aluminum-finish panels. Extending the soft skin and foam around the center stack was critical not only for better appearance and craftsmanship, but also to provide a softer, more comfortable rest for the driver’s leg.
“Gaps between parts – the chrome-ringed air registers, for example, are accurate to within fractions of millimeters,” said Senior Designer Robert Gelardi. “This attention to detail is the bedrock of the new interior and what sets Mustang apart from the competition. Our goal was a product that goes beyond perceived quality to offer a premium experience. We were absolute perfectionists about the selection of materials and executing every detail. We never stopped at, ‘good enough.’ We only stopped at ‘right.’”
Attention to detail seen everywhere – even the trunk releaseThe interior design team worked diligently on every detail. Take, for example, the buttons for traction control and the interior trunk release, which was one of several customer-driven enhancements to the 2010 Mustang. The Mustang team wasn’t satisfied with simply adding this feature and moving on. Instead, the team made it special as both graphics on the buttons show an actual Mustang instead of a generic car symbol.
The shape of the IP finish panels mirrors the angle of the tail lamps and allows the navigation screen to be placed higher and closer to the driver. The Mustang pony now is a genuine aluminum badge in the center of the steering wheel featuring real aluminum spokes with audio controls in premium models. “Everything looks crafted, not molded,” Gelardi said. “People will feel special in this car.”
Steven McCarley, president of the Mustang Club of America, was fortunate enough to have driven the new Mustang before its reveal and came away impressed.
“They’ve definitely improved the seating and the material – it’s stronger, firmer and better overall,” said McCarley, noting one of the requests his group wanted for the 2010 model. “The front end is much more aggressive and the placement of the controls is more user-friendly.”
Easy Fuel® Capless Fuel Filler System: This industry-exclusive feature has an integrated spring-loaded flapper door that allows customers to simply insert the fuel nozzle into the tank to fill up – no screw cap required. Easy Fuel automatically seals after the fuel nozzle is removed, emitting fewer evaporative emissions into the environment.
Improved handling: Many of the enhancements from the successful Mustang Bullitt and Ford Racing vehicles are carried through the full 2010 Mustang lineup, creating a nimbler, more-responsive Mustang. Standard on all models is a three-link rear suspension with a panhard bar. AdvanceTrac®, new for 2010, traction control and anti-lock brakes also are standard.
AdvanceTrac can be run on or off with the V-6. In the GT, AdvanceTrac, can be run in on, off or Sport mode, which allows drivers to push it more while still retaining control.
“We adjusted the springs, stabilizer bars and shocks to better balance the ride, steering and handling for all models, which results in a more engaging driving experience,” said Barnes. “The 2010 Mustang feels more controlled for steering and handling, yet retains a good ride balance.”
Tires are increased by an inch across the Mustang line, with 17-inch tires standard on the V-6 and 18-inch tires standard on the V-8. A 19-inch Pirelli Summer tire is late available as an option for those seeking higher performance. The proven chassis from the Bullitt series serves as the base for the GT. A tower-to-tower brace pioneered on the Bullitt lends additional torsional and lateral stiffness to the chassis to improve cornering for those selecting the 19-inch tire.
Aerodynamics were honed to ensure that both the aerodynamic drag and lift balance were improved for better overall efficiency. The drag coefficient, which measures the ability of the Mustang to slip through the air, has been reduced by 4 percent in the V-6 models and 7 percent in the GT models. The front aerodynamic lift also has been reduced by 37 percent for V-6 models and 23 percent for GT models, significantly improving steering feedback and driver confidence at higher speeds. Improved aerodynamics also contribute to fuel efficiency, with the V-6 getting an unsurpassed 26 mpg highway.
For some team members, the passion for Mustang began almost at birth – literally.
Gelardi’s ride home from the hospital after he was born came in his mother’s 1969 Champagne Gold Mustang coupe. From there a love of automobiles, especially Mustang, blossomed.
“It’s pretty amazing that the first time I ever rode in a car it was a Mustang and now I’m part of the team that helped create the 2010 Mustang,” said Gelardi, who worked on the 2005 model as well before leading interior, exterior and wheel designs for the 2010 edition. “Working on Mustang is an honor, which is exactly how everyone else on the team feels.”

It’s one of the most storied monikers in Corvette’s illustrious racing heritage. Today, Chevrolet announced it is returning to the lineup in the new, 2010 Corvette Grand Sport model.
The announcement was made at the 12th annual C5/C6 Corvette Birthday Bash, held at the National Corvette Museum, in Bowling Green, Ky.
The new Grand Sport combines the Corvette’s LS3-based powertrain with unique, wide-body styling and a racing-bred suspension for a distinctive model that delivers a great balance of road and race track performance. It is offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The LS3 6.2L engine is rated at 430 horsepower (321 kW)* and 424 lb.-ft. of torque (575 Nm)* with the standard exhaust system. An optional two-mode exhaust system elevates the power ratings to 436 horses (325 kW) and 428 lb.-ft. (580 Nm).
The Grand Sport replaces the Corvette’s previous Z51 package and brings a greater degree of handling performance, with wider wheels and tires; revised shock, stabilizer bar and spring specifications; and specific gearing. The equipment enables cornering capability of 1.0 g, as well as a 0.2-second improvement in 0-60 acceleration vs. standard LS3-powered models.
Grand Sport coupe models equipped with the manual transmission are uniquely outfitted for race track competition, too, with a dry-sump oiling system, differential cooler and a rear-mounted battery.
The complete list of content and special features for the Grand Sport includes:
Wider front and rear fenders – including specific front fenders with integrated Grand Sport badges
Z06-style front splitter and tall rear spoiler
Functional brake ducts and extra cooling
Unique 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels; painted finish standard and chrome finish optional
Large 275/35ZR18 tires in front and 325/30ZR19 tires in the rear
Z06-size brakes, including 14-inch (355 mm) front rotors with six-piston calipers and 13.4-inch (340 mm) rear rotors with four-piston calipers
Specific manual transmission gear ratios
Specific rear axle ratio on automatic-equipped models
With its special equipment, the Grand Sport offers a unique blend of performance and amenities. Its suspension package approaches that of the Z06, but includes a removable roof on coupes (Z06 has a fixed roof) and, of course, the availability of a convertible body style. Also, the paddle-shift six-speed automatic transmission is offered, while a manual transmission is the only choice with the Z06.
All of Corvette’s exterior colors are offered on the Grand Sport, and an available Heritage package adds iconic front fender hash marks offered in four colors, as well as two-tone seats with Grand Sport embroidery. The Grand Sport can be ordered with 1LT, 2LT, 3LT and 4LT trim packages, too.
Grand Sport history
Envisioned by legendary Corvette engineer Zora Arkus-Duntov as a factory-built, lightweight and race-ready production model that would trump domestic and foreign road-racing competitors, the original Corvette Grand Sport was a promising idea that led to the production of five special prototypes in 1963. The project was later shelved, following GM’s agreement to stay out of manufacturer-backed motorsports.
The five prototypes were based on the styling of the 1963 Corvette and were hand-assembled under Duntov’s watchful eye. But while they looked like production models, the prototypes were purpose-built race cars that shared little with their assembly-line cousins. Duntov also oversaw the Grand Sport engine program that featured a special, 377-cubic-inch small-block V-8 with side-draft carburetors.
Although never officially sanctioned by General Motors, the five Grand Sport prototypes saw extensive racing experience throughout the 1960s in the hands of “private” racers who had strong contacts within Duntov’s engineering circle. All five original cars are accounted for today and are among the most valuable in the collector market.
Chevrolet offered a limited-edition Grand Sport production model in 1996, commemorating the original racing cars and marking the end of the C4 era in Corvette production. All of the 1,000 examples were painted Admiral Blue and featured a white center stripe and red “hash mark” graphics on the left front fender, a graphic scheme that mimicked the look of some of the original race cars.

Dell Latitude 120L Li-ion BatteryThis is a Brand New Dell Smart Li-Ion Laptop Battery.Compatible Dell Notebook Models:Inspiron: B120, B130 and 1300.Latitude: 120L.Dell Part Numbers: 312-0416, 0XD184, XD184, KD186, TD611, TD612, UD535, XD184, XD186, HD438, CGR-B-6E1XX, TD429.Product Specifications:Rating: 11.1VCapacity: 56 WhSize: 8.06'' x 2.12" x 0.87"Color: BlackTechnology: Lithium-IonContacts: 6 PositionCondition: Brand NewIn Stock: Yes

BANGKOK, Oct. 9 — As it proceeds with plans to cut jobs and close factories in North America, the Ford Motor Company is expanding aggressively in Asia, announcing a $500 million investment Tuesday to build a car plant in Thailand just two weeks after opening a $510 million manufacturing center in Nanjing, China.Both investments were made with Mazda, the Japanese company that Ford controls through a 33.4 percent stake — a partnership that provides Ford with both cash and manufacturing skills.“We’re looking for profitable growth,” said John Parker, Ford’s executive vice president for Asia and Africa. “You have to put some foundations in place.”Ford’s strategy appears to be to save money by curtailing operations in North America while making money by expanding in growth markets in Asia and elsewhere abroad.The company announced worldwide losses of $12.7 billion last year and said it planned to idle or close 16 North American facilities by 2012, including seven vehicle assembly plants.Its operations outside the United States provide Ford with a lifeline of liquidity, including $551 million in pretax profit in South America in 2006, $469 million in Europe and $168 million through the association with Mazda.The company lost $185 million in Asia last year, mainly because of a collapse of sales in Taiwan and shifting tastes in Australia away from larger cars, but rebounded in the second quarter of 2007 to $26 million in profit.The plant in Thailand will produce 100,000 small cars, with 80 percent of them to be exported to other Southeast Asian countries as well as Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Ford has no plans to export the small passenger car, known in the industry as a B-class, to the United States, Mr. Parker said.Exporting to the United States could antagonize the United Automobile Workers, the union facing layoffs as part of Ford’s corporate overhaul under Alan R. Mulally, the chief executive appointed in September 2006 to help turn around the carmaker. U.A.W. talks with General Motors last month led to a short strike. Chrysler is being threatened with a walkout in current talks, and Ford will be next to negotiate.Thailand will export about 625,000 vehicles this year, 70 percent of them pickup trucks, of a total output of 1.25 million vehicles.American pickup truck makers are shielded to an extent from foreign competition by a 25 percent tariff imposed in the 1960s, known colloquially as the chicken tax because it was initially levied in retaliation for duties imposed on American chicken exports.The investment by Ford and Mazda helps cement Thailand’s place as the third-largest Asian car manufacturer, behind Japan and South Korea. The expansion of Ford and Mazda into small cars helps Thailand diversify beyond pickups.Last week, the Thai board of investment approved plans by Honda to double its annual production capacity here to 240,000 cars.Japanese carmakers, led by Toyota, have gradually shifted some of their production to Thailand over the last decade. Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu and its partner General Motors, also have major plants in the country.“It’s a big vote of confidence for Thailand,” said Frederic Neumann, chief Thailand economist for HSBC, referring to Ford’s and Mazda’s investment.Vallop Tiasiri, president of the Thailand Automotive Institute, a government agency that plans strategy, says Thailand will have a manufacturing capacity of two million cars in the next five years.Thailand suffers from political uncertainty. The generals who took power just over a year ago have scheduled elections in December, but questions remain about the future political role of the military and of Thaksin Shinawatra, the exiled prime minister who retains considerable popularity among some groups..

How much would it tick off a car thief if all of a sudden, during the getaway, the engine started to lose power and the vehicle began to decelerate? Quite a bit, I imagine. OnStar is well on its way to god status by introducing Stolen Vehicle Slowdown, a new technology that is capable of transmitting a signal to a vehicle and corresponding with its powertrain system to reduce fuel flow to the engine and eventually decrease the speed of the car. The slowdown would happen at a safe and gradual level, so that coppers could safely follow and apprehend the thieves. (No more Dukes of Hazzard type chases.)The tech, which is set to debut in 1.6 million 2009 model GM cars, works in conjunction with OnStar's Stolen Vehicle Location service (needed initially to pinpoint the whereabouts of the car). A direct line of sight is required in order to activate the tech, and according to the site, "Safeguards will be in place to ensure that the correct vehicle is slowed down." Uh, let's hope so. That sure would suck to be the clueless guy driving behind.

NEW DELHI: The new year will begin on a costly note for car buyers with major players, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors and General Motors, planning to increase prices of the vehicles by as much as Rs 12,000.The companies are citing higher costs of raw materials such as lead and aluminium, besides rising freight charges as well as petroleum products, among the reasons for increasing the vehicle prices.According to dealer sources, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has told its distributors to gear up for an increase in prices across all models by up to Rs 12,000. The price hike would be applicable on dispatches of vehicles from the date of announcement of the hike in January. When contacted, officials of the country's biggest carmaker declined to comment.Sources said Maruti has also written to its dealers that it will shut down production facilities for maintenance activities during December 24-31 and the dealers should plan their bookings accordingly.Maruti's nearest rival Hyundai Motors India Ltd is also planning a price hike of up to two per cent across different models by December-end or January next year. Hyundai's lowest price car is the Santro non-AC which comes for Rs 2.72 lakh, while the high-end Sonata Embera is priced Rs 15.71 lakh.Sources said HMIL may also revise the price of its recently introduced global car 'i10', which has been priced at Rs 3.39 lakh onward.While Hyundai officials declined to comment, General Motors India (GMI) confirmed it will be revising prices."We will be hiking prices of our products between 1-2 per cent across all models by January," GMI Vice-President Marketing and Sales Ankush Arora told reporters.He said increase in diesel prices along with input costs have made it necessary to hike the car prices.

The hybrid auto was made due to the insistence for cars that consumed less energy making it greener on the environment and more cost effective on your pocketbook. So what is a hybrid? Hybrids are vehicles that combine two or more sources directly or indirectly provide propulsion is a hybrid. In other words, when a vehicle uses gasoline and electricity as forms of power, then it’s a hybrid. When looking at the right hybrid auto for you, you need to research these five:Nissan Altima Hybrid
Nissan Motors has been producing cars and motorcycles longer than most of their competition. One of the most fashionable choices among hybrid owners today is the Nissan Altima Hybrid since Nissan is synonymous with style and performance. When Nissan manufactures any auto, they usually add a variety of designs and choices that allows you to build a car that is built for you! The average Price for the Nissan Altima Hybrid is approximately $25,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Nissan Altima Hybrid is 42 mpg on the highway and 34 mpg in the city.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Another Honda built auto that makes our list is the excellent Honda Civic Hybrid. If you’re looking for a robust hybrid that is cool to ride, then the Honda Civic Hybrid is a great choice. Honda has been producing cars for some time so they understand how to create a high quality hybrid car that has a low price tag. The average Price for the Honda Civic Hybrid is approximately $24,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Honda Civic Hybrid is 51 mpg on the highway and 49 mpg in the city.
Toyota Prius
Seeking for an inexpensive hybrid auto, enter the Toyota Prius, Japanese built auto. Toyota hybrids have increased in popularity with the youthful and older crowd probably due to the smooth style and low price tag. While the Toyota Prius is low cost what you gain in decreased price you do not lose in quickness and power making this hybrid auto, the most desired in the world and one that deserves the most honors. The average Price for the Toyota Prius is approximately $22,000 while the average mileage per gallon for the Toyota Prius is 60 mpg on the highway and 51 mpg in the city.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Another Toyota built auto that makes our list is the excellent Toyota Camry Hybrid. If you want a consistent and robust hybrid, then the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a great choice. As an extremely fuel-efficient hybrid auto it also has exceptional quickness with excellent crash test scores. The average Price for the Toyota Camry Hybrid is approximately $26,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Toyota Camry Hybrid is 40 mpg on the highway and 38 mpg in the city.
Ford Escape Hybrid
The lone United States built hybrid auto is the Ford Escape Hybrid. Despite being a United States built auto you can count on a highly meticulous, robust auto that handles superbly. The speed increase is efficient yet quite strong. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV and remains a leading seller. The average Price for the Ford Escape Hybrid is approximately $26,000 while the average mileage per gallon (mpg) for the Ford Escape Hybrid is 36 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg.
Hybrid cars were produced to help the environment due to the reduction fuel emissions. By combining two power sources, hybrid cars use less gasoline. By using less gasoline they help the environment and help you save money. After researching hybrid cars you’ll recognize that the Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Toyota Prius, and Ford Escape Hybrid are the most popular.

Honda has always been known for its ability to offer cars suiting every budget and lifestyle. The various offerings made by Honda range from compact cars to sophisticated SUV’s, making it one of the most appealing brands. Honda CRV forms an important offering of Honda in the SUV segment. If you are looking for a luxurious, silky, safe as well as a fun machine, Honda CRV engines (www. gotengines.com/used-engines.html)deserves all your consideration. Honda CRV Features The latest CRV comes with an improved suspension geometry which allows responsive handling. The engine has a four-cylinder construction employing variable timing intake valves for optimizing torque and horsepower for cruising speeds and acceleration. This is paired with an automatic five-speed transmission system. The cylinder volume for all the three variants is 2.4L producing a power of 166HP. It reaches from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds The room available for the front as well as the back seat, and also the cargo, is logically arrayed and properly placed. The seats can totally fold down allowing for a cargo area which is completely flat. The steering is two-way adjustable and the seats are six-way adjustable which provides for a proper posture and good outward visibility. The CRV has a jutting front bumper which is responsible for its reduced visual mass and perceived height. Other notable changes include the flared-back headlights, with the flares stretching out and wrapping the tires, and an opened grille. CRV comes in the following colors: Premium white pearl, Nighthawk black pearl, Green tea metallic, new red pearl, and Whistler silver metallic. The Stability Assist equipment for the car includes the disc-brakes, EBD, ABS and VSA for helping in emergency maneuvers. CRV has been rated 5-star for its safety features and it has scored superlatively in crash tests. There are certain Honda CRV Features which greatly increases its fun quotient. These include a 6-CD changer, power moon-roof, satellite radio (only in EX-L model), heated seats and leather interior. Honda CRV Models The all new CRV comes in three models: basic LX, the mid-range EX, and leather-upholstered EX-L, where you can opt for a navigational system which allows the incorporation of a rearview camera for easy and safe backing. The EX-L model also has a dual-zone climate control and a driver’s seat which can be powered eight-way. All the Honda CRV Models allow for an all-wheel drive control. The fuel economy for city conditions for all these models is around 20 mpg which reaches to 27 mpg in highway conditions. The cost of owning CRV ranges from $20,700 to $28,400, depending upon the model. So, if you want a car which has decent mileage, all-weather capability and reliability, the four-door, five-passenger Honda CRV would be worth all your imagination and money.

In November of 2007, Honda announced its next generation eco-friendly vehicle, the Honda FCX Clarity. Unlike many of the other eco-friendly cars such as hybrids and other hydrogen cars, the FCX Clarity hydrogen car uses what is called a fuel cell.A fuel cell is a device that creates electricity from the fuel, in this case hydrogen. The Honda V Flow fuel cell is a revolutionary breakthrough that generates enough electricity to power a real world car. The fuel cell combines hydrogen from the fuel tank with oxygen in the air to produce two things: electricity and water.That is correct; water is the only byproduct of the Honda FCX Clarity!This amazing system allows the Honda FCX Clarity to be ranked as what is known as a ZEV (Zero Emissions Vehicle). It has absolutely no harmful emissions of any sort.The wheels are driven by a quiet, compact electric motor that draws power from the fuel cell and from the lithium-ion (Lion) battery that like a gas hybrid is also charged when braking and driving downhill.Comparative Gas MileageThere is no direct way to compare gas mileage as hydrogen is a compressed gas and is measured in kilograms of fuel weight. The tank holds 4.1kg of fuel (about 9 pounds) which is enough to give the car a range of 280 miles. Miles per gallon is calculated using the GGE (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent) which determines the comparative energy used to move the car.Miles Per Gallon (GGE)- City: 79- Highway: 68- Combined: 74Miles Per Kilogram- City: 77- Highway: 67- Combined: 72Yes, you read that correctly; Miles per Kilogram. Since the fuel storage is measured in kilograms MPK will be an increasingly common method of measuring your mileage as hydrogen powered cars become more common.The Honda FCX Clarity drives just like any other Honda, with on exception, it has virtually no engine noise. With its super quiet engine it has ample pick-up and produces 134 horsepower, more than enough to move its light, aerodynamic frame around the road. The vehicle also sports a lot of Honda’s upcoming features and technology with a very advanced, yet comfortable and convenient interior.Honda plans to produce a limited of the 2008 FCX Clarity models and offer them on lease at $600/month. They are available in southern California in areas near pre-existing hydrogen refueling stations. Honda has also created a Hydrogen Dealer Network where the cars are to be sold and serviced.

With the cost of rising gas prices to run your cars, is it any wonder that people are looking for alternative fuel for cars? Let’s have a look at some alternative methods of powering your cars along with the pros and cons.

Newer cars are coming out that get better fuel mileage than the older models. Also, there are all sorts of fuel additives that are able to increase your cars mpg.
In the first place, why do we cling to gasoline as our fuel source? Many other sources have materialized that can give power to a vehicle. There are technical as well as economical agents involved. There are certain citizens that have an invested interest in keeping gasoline as our main source of fuel who will want to make sure that it stays that way.
There are certain types of alcohols that can be applied as an alternative fuel for cars that have already been used in the past century to power cars. The electrical energy is stored in the shape of batteries.
Hybrid cars have been built to use electrical energy from both gasoline and battery storage. These cars run by battery, kicking the fuel engine in only when needed. The gas engine doesn’t usually kick in unless you are accelerating at a high speed or if you are going up a hill. This causes these cars to get much better miles per gallon of fuel.
One possibility would be hydrogen, which is much cleaner for the environment, but at the present time it takes up too much space which causes a problem with storage during transport.
There is also a water system being sold today that can be attached to your cars fuel system.There has been reportings of up to a 30% increase, and even a little more, of fuel efficiency. This is really good for many people who are concerned about getting high fuel efficiency, however it is highly recommended to check with a professional to see if your cars warranty will still be honored if this system is added to your vehicle.
You can also find other potential alternative fuel sources as well.
Even though gasoline fuel is not friendly for the environment,it does have a few friendly facets in regards to it. For a little bit of fuel it produces lots of zip! All of the alternatives each have their own effects in terms of how viable they are, both economically as well as environmentally.
For example, a fuel called ethanol, is produced from sugar cane or corn crops and is an inebriant that can be blended with gasoline up to a ratio of approximately 85% ethanol to 15% gasoline. A great deal of land is required to produce sufficient amounts of ethanol. It takes about 1 gallon of ethanol to give about 2/3 of the energy of 1 gallon of gasoline. When ignited it still creates a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, therefore it is not hugely environmentally friendly.
Another potential answer for an alternative fuel for cars in the future are batteries that store solar energy, but technology is not enough advanced at this point to provide adequate energy to run a vehicle as compared to cars running on gasoline.
Another potential solution would be atomic energy. But this, as well, has has various possible cons such as the yield of nuclear waste. The current use of nuclear power would increase by approximately nine times.
So, even though we would all be happy to get free from gas as our primary source of power to energize our cars and to have an alternative fuel for cars there are economic as well as technical matters which need to be mastered before this can be accomplished to our satisfaction in order to resolve our optional power sources.

That pesky recession! Who does it think it is, coming over here, taking our jobs, hitting everyone in the pocket, grabbing all the headlines, making the lives of us Brits a misery? The best way for Britain to cope with the dire straits that is the recession, is to put on a brave face. Britain may not be the best in the world at many things these days, but one thing we are good at is having a laugh in the face of adversity.The latest news that one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, Honda, are to stop production at their British factory in Swindon for the next four months, affecting 75 per cent of Honda’s 4,000 strong British factory workforce.
Honda’s global third quarter net profit has dropped by a staggering 89 per cent, and even though Business Secretary Lord Mandelson announced a government support package for the UK car industry which could be up to 2.3 billion pounds, the Japanese car giant has had to go ahead with the longest factory shutdown in recent history.
Many car manufacturers have had to make cut-backs in production simply because demand for brand new cars during these difficult financial times is way below levels of supply - Honda dealers have not experienced such a slowdown in turnover that something just had to give and it makes perfect business sense to cut production, sit back and reflect on how the next quarter pans out.
Despite Honda stating that they jobs are safe, it is common knowledge that over a quarter of factory staff have taken up voluntary redundancy, perhaps as they see no end to the gloom and doom in the near future.
Fears that the halt in production in Swindon may continue past the next four months have been dispelled, or at least there lies some hope, as Honda are going ahead with part orders - a measure that they surely would not take if they felt that production would continue to stop for an even longer time period.
Honda usually produce 240,000 cars from their Swindon factory, but that figure will halve over the course of the next year and elsewhere, global production will be slashed by 56,000 units. Honda is yet to announce whether employees from their other business sectors and departments in the U, such as Honda dealers and administration staff will be affected during the next year, which finance experts are saying will continue in recession, possibly through to 2010.
Honda dealers have obviously experienced a slowdown in business, both in the sale of brand new vehicles - the bread and butter, where the highest margins are made - and also used cars from Honda dealers.
Figures are set to continue to decrease for the duration of 2009 as Honda economists have forecast a net profit for the year to March 2009 to be less than half of its earlier forecast of 185 billion yen. The company’s net profit for the quarter ending December 2008 was 180 billion yen below the mark reached during the same quarter the previous year - a staggering example of just how badly affected the car industry has been since the global economy took a nosedive.
The Swindon factory workforce will obviously be concerned, but will no doubt be putting on a brave face, in true British fashion. Let’s hope, like the global economy, their fortunes can change over the next year.

A vehicle is among those complicated machines in this world considering their systems and sub-systems. They are typically composed of many different parts that must complement with each other in order for it to give off the performance and functions expected from it. There are many parts and features involve in order for a vehicle to function as well as there are lots of things to consider; safety, performance and comforts. For your vehicle’s safety features, lights and lights assembly are always included; you can’t drive or maneuver a vehicle completely without lights, especially headlights. That’s why these are among the standard parts of a vehicle and there are still lots of enhancements available. For such matter, you can typically find headlights in different types and kinds; and if you have ACCORD vehicles, there are many options for it like ACCORD projector headlights. Headlights are considered as among the vital things in a vehicle’s operation especially in keeping you safe when driving at night or dark places. Your vehicle’s headlights are among those outside lights that guides you through your cruising. Defined as the light mounted on the front of the car, headlights are parts that light the road ahead of you. Usually, headlights have reflectors and special lenses; they are mostly of sealed beam types. There are lots of types and kinds of headlights available; automatic, parabolic, halogen, projector, etc. Projector headlights are type of headlights which produces stronger beam than parabolic headlights. These lights are intended to light a more focused area and lee scatter loss. It works specifically like a slide projector as it name implies. Projector headlights are mostly considered as performance replacement headlights since it can enhance the lighting condition of your vehicle. Like most headlights, projector types are available whether as OEM, aftermarket, factory original or used. If you want to give your ACCORD vehicle a lasting life as well as enhanced styles, you can add accessories like headlight covers, protector and mask. There are several online stores selling ACCORD projector headlights. Make sure that before you purchase any projector headlights from any auto parts online store, you first verify or research if the store is reliable or not. You can do this by calling Consumers Advocates and inquire about any reported misconducts or violation about the store or company you want to deal with. Consumers Advocates should be able to tell you which companies to be trusted and which companies should be avoided. At Ilovebodykits.com, you can find many projector headlights with different options to choose, there is black housing projector headlights, chrome housing projector headlights, dual halo projector headlights, single halo projector headlights, blue lens projector head lights, clear lens projector headlights. Black housing projector headlights have became more popular in the market because the factory headlights are usually made with chrome housing and you can see immediately see the difference in the appearance after the installation.Due to the safety regulation from Department Of Transportations (DOT), all head lights, and projector headlights are required to have amber corner lens and the ones are without it will not be street legal and it should only be equipped as “off road use only”. At ilovebodykits.com, they understand their customer’s need and they are here to help you to enjoy fixing up your everyday ride and remind their customers that safety condition of their vehicle should always be the number 1 consideration.

There’s a global boom going on in the motor vehicle field as increasing numbers of motorists convert their vehicles with hydrogen car kits.The system is often referred to as “running your car on water”.
It uses water to produce HHO (also known as Hydroxy or Brown Gas). It provides greatly increased fuel consumption, more power and improved performance. The end product is water so there is clear emission.
The kit works on gas or diesel powered cars, vans, trucks and SUVs. The conversion is safe, fast and easy to do. All that is needed is a conversion manual. The parts for the kit can be easily purchased for less than $100 at local hardware and auto stories.
The HHO system is easily reversible and does not void auto manufacturers’ warranties.
With new car sales currently at a low it is likely even more current vehicle owners will take advantage of the savings offered by the hydrogen conversion kit.
The new hydrogen powered cars produced by auto manufacturers are expensive. Critics says they are possibly dangerous because they store hydrogen in high pressure tanks. There is also the problem of getting hydrogen supplies at service stations and the possible polluting effects of manufacturing hydrogen.
The hydrogen car kits however provide hydrogen as the car needs it, rather than in storage tanks. The combustible gas is safe because it is extracted as needed and burned steadily from the water, unlike larger volumes of pure hydrogen which are highly flammable.
I’ve seen some service station operators offering to do the conversion for $1000 which I think is a bit steep when you consider you can do it yourself for less than $100, plus the cost of the instruction manual.
The instructions manuals can cost hundreds of dollars but I’ve been shopping around.
The very best deal I’ve seen for a Hydrogen Car Kit instruction manual is a special sales price of only $67 which has got be the cheapest on the Net.
Believe it or not it comes in 24 languages, with a money back guarantee and various very useful extras. The company even provides tax forms for you to claim government rebate for running a green car.
But it’s not just the cool instruction manual price. Also their system is more powerful than most and they provide good long term back-up support.
I believe this whole current conversion scene is all part of global automotive history. It’s ironic that while giant car companies are almost collapsing because they have done little to keep pace with the times, ordinary people using a few dollars and some initiative are leaving them standing. So if you want to save like 50 per cent on fuel costs, boost your vehicle performance, reduce vehicle emissions and help prevent global warming get a kit.
There is also another possibility. You could start a full or part-time business doing hydrogen car kit conversions yourself. I think the company concerned would probably be supportive of that.
Something to think about in these hard economic times. You would save heaps on your own fuel costs and make money installing the kits for other people.

If you are thinking about purchasing a new car, it may be the right time for you to consider getting rid of the idea of purchasing another kind of gas-guzzling conventional car and start thinking about the future. Not just your financial future, but also the future of the environment.
If you noticed that there is another increase in the already expensive gasoline prices, you couldn’t help but think that you need a car that conserves fuel efficiently. Also, if you are concerned about the increasing air pollution in the planet today, you can’t help but think that you should stop using a regular car and start using alternative modes of transportation.
However today, you don’t need to worry about either the constant oil price hikes or the environment with the latest technology being integrated today by car manufacturers in their new car models. Today, car manufacturers are now designing hybrid cars. Some even added a new line in their factories devoted to producing hybrid cars.
Car manufacturers, such as Toyota and Honda, are now considered to be one of the leading companies to produce one of the best hybrid cars available in the market today. Because hybrid cars are both fuel efficient and emits far lower levels of pollutants, this car is definitely the car of the future.
Hybrid cars work by combining the gasoline engine and electric motor to run the car. With this kind of innovation, it will enable you to cut fuel consumption in half. With this kind of benefit, you will definitely want to have a hybrid car of your own. However, you first need to fully understand how hybrid cars work or at least have an idea on how it works.
First of all, hybrid cars have two engines. The first is the electric motor and the second is the conventional gasoline engine. When your car is running idle, or it is not in motion but is turned on, the gasoline engine automatically switches off and will purely run on electricity. When you step on the accelerator pedal, the gasoline engine will automatically switch on again and use the fuel to propel the car. This means that when you are stuck in gridlock traffic, you will not waste precious and expensive gasoline when the car isn’t even running at all. It will purely run on electricity.
Also, when the car is running, the electric motor and the gasoline engine will share the task of propelling the car. This is the reason why hybrid cars emit far lower pollutants than conventional cars that only has gasoline engines.
This is also the reason why hybrid cars are so quiet when running.
Today, other car manufacturers are now following to develop their version of their hybrid cars. In fact, some car manufacturers have now shown the public their concept hybrid cars and are now planning to include a hybrid car line in their production. The hybrid car is indeed the car of the future.
Not only will a hybrid car enable you to save a lot of money from the rising cost of gasoline, but it will also allow you to help reduce the pollution in the environment. In the near future, most people will be driving hybrid cars. With this car, you can help in reducing the consumption of expensive and finite fuel supply, and you will also help in creating a healthier environment.

highest-ranking small engines for sale in the industry is the Honda small engine (visit:http://www.ultimatewasher.com/honda-engine-parts.htm) . Known for its reliability and easy starting alone, the Honda small engine is extremely popular with the rental industry (which sees constant use), and is indicative of how hard they work and how easy they are to maintain.

Not only does the GX series (the most popular of Honda small engines) stand up in durability tests, too, but also it features a slant cylinder overhead valve technology that offers great fuel efficiency and the ability to meet emission standards in the US.

There are Honda small engines for commercial use, such as the well-known, flagship GX series, designed in 1983, and for consumer use, such as the new homeowner’s version of the GX called the GC series. The GC series is still fuel efficient, and easy to start, but it is quieter and made for lighter use.

For gas powered pressure washers, the Honda small engine is a good choice. You just need to decide your application. Homeowners use their pressure washer about 20 times a year. If you will basically be washing cars, bikes, and patio furniture, the GC series will suit your needs. If you are looking for an engine for larger jobs for your pressure washer, such as large decks, cleaning house siding, or even removing paint, then the GX engine would be a better choice.

The GX and GC series are single cylinder engines with between 1.1hp up to 13hp with both horizontal and vertical crankshaft designs. Some of the GX ’s features are: an oil alert, electronic ignition, and cast iron cylinder sleeves. The GC features the new internal timing belt, has uniblock cylinder construction, is quiet, with no valve train noise, and has a minimal number of parts. It is very easy to work on.

The unique feature of the GC Honda small engine is its internal timing belt. The belt is designed to allow for a lower profile and is made to last for the life of the engine. Like all Honda small engines, with regular maintenance, repairs should be few and far between, but if you find you need to repair or replace parts, they are easy to locate and obtain.

When maintenance is required, you want to be sure you get the right Honda small engine part the first time. All Honda small engine parts co-ordinate with an ID number stamped on the engine. When ordering, be sure to have the model, type, and serial number at hand. All three are needed in order to differentiate between Honda’s general purpose engines and their power equipment engines. Many Honda small engine parts are not interchangeable in these categories. If you do your own engine repair work, numerous web sites list parts. Getting a paper service manual, which will show and list all Honda small engine parts, will be a little harder–as Honda dealers no longer sell them. Dealer information all comes to them on a CD. However, you can find manuals available on-line.

Honda small engine parts are manufactured with the same quality Honda is known for. There are aftermarket replacement parts available, but you are not guaranteed of the same quality. Try to always use Honda small engine parts whenever you repair your Honda engine.

Despite its relatively small scale of operations when put alongside Toyota, Honda continues to be Japan’s most interesting auto maker, Asia’s response to the European techno-house of Audi. Its IMA, for example, is a truly practical petrol-electric car, and the NSX continues to be the best supercar that no body has heard of. In between these comes an everyman range of cars, from the simple elegance of its Jazz city car through to the Volvo-rivalling Accord Tourer. There is also 1.0 litre insight, a strange-looking little hybrid car that, since the introduction of IMA, has fallen out favor. A neat two-seater sports car that feels distinctly European in execution. Honda has some really interesting products in the pipeline, which promises sparkling performance allied to outstanding economy.ACCORD/TSX Offered in both sedan and Touring (estate) variants, the sculpted Accord is a far more substantially-sized car than it looks at first glance; this is particularly the case with the stylish Touring version. Quite and comfortable and with a suspension system more geared as much to ride quality as it is sporting handling, the car has winning fans at a rate which is surprising even its advocates within the company. A choice of petrol engines-2.0 and 2.4 litre units with respective outputs of 155PS and 190PS and the 2.2 turbo diesel, a fine piece of engineering that was long awaited; Honda’s engine designers set themselves very high standards which took time to meet.
CIVIC Honda’s mainstay model is produced in 3-and5-door body shells, with a choice of engines and transmissions, and like its smaller stable mate Jazz, displays a high level of interior flexibility that generates considerable customer satisfaction. Recent upgrades to the styling (new lights, revised bumpers) have helped keep the look fresh, and the range has been added to Type S, which slots in between the mainstream petrol model and the stunning hot hatch Type R; that later car is fastest-accelerating car in its class, finally rectifying the one omission in Honda’s small car range.
CR-V Honda’s response to the mid-sized 4×4 of Suzuki, Land Rover and the Mitsubishi, CR-V is a competent, solid-feeling multi-purpose player. Chunky in appearance yet surprisingly pleasing to drive, the machine is available only with the 150PS, 2.0 litre four cylinder engine.-though there is a choice of manual or automatic transmission. As with the HR-V, the car can be run in either front-drive or four wheel drive formats. Handling is as clean as can be expected in this class of cars, and the ride quality is good too; there is a tendency for the car to wander at high speeds, but that is symptomatic of most sports utility vehicles.
JAZZ This car is a masterpiece of flexible design, managing to provide accommodation for five adults-and an incredibly efficient package of seating flexibility which would allow three adults and a wardrobe into the car at the same time.-without taking up any more road space than is absolutely essential. Early cars suffered from a slightly jittery ride but indicating Honda’s ability to quickly change production, this has since been remedied and the car now rides smoothly. There is only one engine option-a zippy little 1.4 litre four cylinder-but this can be matched to either manual of constantly variable transmission, and there is also a Sport version offered which offers sharper handling.

Honda is on Chargeby Mark CreeseTo all intents and purposes Formula One should be the most exciting sport on Earth. Just one look at the key ingredients that concoct this sport has me salivating with excitement. Firstly you have a global giant of the car world such as Honda breaking away from the hatchback market and producing nearly 1,000bhp in a car that weighs less than the original Mini. Secondly this outlandish performance is put in the trust of 20 of the most skilled drivers on the planet, who are only ever 2-3 seconds away from a high speed shunt. Thirdly, the races take place in the most exotic locations around the world, including: Bahrain, Monaco, Brazil, Australia and Singapore. Why oh why then is it so dull?As a child I'd drag myself out of bed at 3am just to watch a Friday practice, before repeating the feat for Saturday qualifying and Sunday race day. I knew all the drivers statistics, why rear down force shouldn't be an issue around the Hockenheim circuit and the past winners of the championship for 50 years. Much like a lot of the population I've tired in recent years of no overtaking, the same winners and consistent rule changes that try and fail to re-ignite excitement. Michael Schumacher was the greatest driver in the history of the sport but his constant winning also destroyed my love for it.Then there was the tobacco sponsorship ban of a few years ago. Such a furore was made over banning the cancer-givers that the sport's focus was lost. So what that I fancied a cigarette after watching 'Marlboro' on Schumacher's car cross the winning line again, the advertising really wasn't the root of the problem Formula One was suffering.Not content with banning cigarettes, overtaking had to be improved (or at least occur once in a race). So cars were slowed down and made more difficult to drive. The result? The best drivers were still in the fastest cars and could cope far better than the weaker drivers already in cars to suit their abilities. The emergence of Lewis Hamilton last year has certainly gone some way to undo the monotony of the now-retired Schumacher era. Not only is he the first black driver in Formula One, but he's super-quick - if a bit erratic.Problem is that even if we overlook the unsolved overtaking problem, the President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) Max Mosley's sexual preferences, constant rule changes and Lewis's efforts to promote the sport, there's one massive problem that looms like an Eagle over its prey - global warming. With the Earth dying thanks to mankind's greed it seems everyone from every walk of life is being encouraged to recycle, use less energy and travel using green transport. I guess doing four miles to the gallon at 200mph every other weekend, with hundreds of articulated lorries, private jets and motor homes in tow doesn't quite reflect that Formula One is listening.Well maybe Honda has got the hint with their 'Earth' car from the 2007 season. Sponsorship free and painted with the planet Earth on it, Honda sold every pixel on its livery with each donation helping towards climate change. This season's car has continued with promoting the dangers of climate change in a more subtle manner and once again no sponsorship - wise when you consider the car was previously run by BAT - British American Tobacco.Ok so you like Formula One, you love Honda, support Jenson Button (although you agree he's not much cop) and therefore want to reflect this in your everyday life - whilst saving the planet. The answer is a simple three words - Honda Civic Hybrid. Yep Honda has produced an eco-friendly car that doesn't need plugging into the wall, look stupid or cost the earth. The Honda Hybrid looks like any other saloon which when you consider the stylings of most electric or hybrid cars is a major plus point. Road Tax in the United Kingdom is stupidly expensive so having to fork out a mere £15 a year for driving the Civic Hybrid is probably all the encouragement you'll need to buy one. The other justification for buying one is that other than great fuel economy thanks to the electric motor doing a fair proportion of the work, it's actually a good drive. Yes it's not a 0-60mph monster but every other aspect is as you'd expect from a car from the Civic range - it's a main contender in the green race.So there you have it, buy a Honda Hybrid and watch Formula One guilt free. Now if Jenson could just overtake someone…

Hydrogen Engine Conversion to Save on Gasby Arthur MaxwellHave you always questioned your friends who are able to successfully save money on gas? Well, using Hydrogen engine conversion to save on gas is no secret to many car owners today. Checking out forums or surfing the internet to learn about cars and the latest technology available with give you news and updates on this system. So do not be surprise when you hear stories of people saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars through the use this system. It is true, using a hydrogen engine conversion allows you to save on gas and make large savings as a result. This system enables you to run your car on water and improve its fuel efficiency by more than 40% each time. This engine conversion acts as a supplement to your car's existing engine and can be easily removed or re-attached. In other words, you will not need to worry about warranty issues as no major modifications are made to your car's system. This technology was developed by a researcher named Dennis Klein, who found that sufficient energy can be generated for the car to move by this installation. Chemical processes taking place in the hydrogen engine conversion system helps to improve gas efficiency as well as allow car owners to enjoy higher car mileage. Using this system, you will be replacing expensive petroleum with the cheaper alternative of water and successfully save money on gas. Water used is extracted for HHO, a stable gas that later undergoes combustion to produce energy, water and oxygen. In addition, the water present acts as a cooling agent that ensures that the temperature of the engine and surrounding parts do not get overheated. It simultaneously helps to remove unwanted dirt from parts are connected to the hydrogen engine conversion system. As such, not only will you be able to save money on gas as you use more water than petrol or diesel, you can also reduce the occurrence of engine faults and save trips to the car mechanic's work shop. Installing a hydrogen engine conversion is a quick and hassle free process. All you need to do is pick a day and drop by your local hardware store to pick up the tools and materials needed. They should be short listed in the conversion kit that you have invested in, and following the simple guidelines provided, you should complete the installation in less than half a day. The good thing is that you can be a mechanical idiot and still succeed in the process. Unlike purchasing Hybrid cars which require you to pay tens of thousands for built in and top quality systems, a hydrogen engine conversion system will be the cheaper alternative that can also give you sufficiently good results. As such, installing a hydrogen engine conversion system is a pretty simple procedure that does not cost much. The multiple benefits that it promises also make it sufficiently clear why it has become a popular choice among car owners who wish to make savings amidst the rising fuel prices today.

Jack Safro Toyota and luxury cars!by Ingrid SureThe Internet is the best resource for finding both new and used cars. Reputable dealers have started to present their services online, advertising fine luxury cars through the website of their company. No matter if you want to find new cars or you are interested in finding a preowned Toyota, you can be certain that Jack Safro Toyota can measure up to your expectations. You can find a beautiful Toyota at a great price and return whenever you need another car or Toyota parts. You might not consider the World Wide Web to be ideal for finding certified vehicles but it actually is. By visiting one single website, you get to discover several cars and find out detailed information on each of them. Customer satisfaction is guaranteed with every car purchased and Jack Safro is an established name in the field of car dealing. You can never go wrong if you choose any of the cars presented online. They are all made to impress, including when it comes to mechanical features and other characteristics, not to mention their price. Once you go online and search for used/new cars, be prepared to spend some time reading all about their features. Each car is presented in detail and comes with several photos for you to get a general picture. If Toyota is the brand you are interested in, then you can check out available cars. Details include exterior/interior fabric, price, test drive and availability. You can see the year the car was made, the actual model, mileage and transmission (e.g.: automatic with overdrive). Discover where the car is located and inquire about similar vehicles. We all know that purchasing a car means much more than being interested in how it looks. It’s only natural that we are curious about options and accessories available for the car. With Toyota cars, you can enjoy the best in air conditioning or choose advanced climate control. Other features include AM/FM stereo radio, CD player and powerful braking systems. Cars are equipped with electric mirrors, air bags and heated outside mirrors (very useful during the winter). If you want to find out about the type of fabric used for upholstery, keyless entry possibilities or traction control, then be sure to use the Internet. Preowned Toyota might need some adjustments, whereas new cars are bound to have all the features mentioned already included. Toyota Prius is one of the finest cars you can find at Jack Safro Toyota. It comes with an innovative navigation system, seats made from leather (increased comfort) and alloy wheels. With power windows and mirrors, a smart start system and protective airbags, this particular Toyota is definitely a blend between quality, functionality and luxury. You can also go with the 2007 Camry, with knee airbags, ABS brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Toyota Corolla is also a popular model, offering the advantage of fuel economy and impressing through its amazing design. Yes, it can be hard to choose a Toyota car. They all feel like the perfect choice!

The Right Way to Buy Fuel Saving Carsby Jim WarrenYou should be extremely careful in buying your new car what with sky high gasoline prices in the market. Not exercising care in this aspect would mean you ending up getting a car that will gulp down a lot of fuel, yet not get you driving anywhere.Jack Nerrad, managing editor of Kelley Blue Book, believes that there is an element of being wise by the pennies and foolish by the pounds.Getting StartedFueleconomy.gov is one of the best places you could get started. This site is operated jointly by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency. This site gives you the city and highway fuel economy for all the cars, market passenger cars and trucks, sold in the USA.A new testing system was introduced last year. This testing method has produced realistic numbers as opposed to previous years, which did give some really inflated numbers for the cars.Along with these information, you would get all the additional information that will help you in choosing a car. All you have to do is to click on a particular car, and you would be able to find all the information you wanted to find.In the page where all the details of the car are given, you would find the annual fuel costs. This is one good comparison between vehicles. In an instant, you would be able to compare a fuel-efficient vehicle with let's say a Suzuki sedan.The Chevrolet Tahoe and the Ford Expedition differ just by the 2-mpg. But did you know that in terms of fuel costs, the difference is about $435 every year. On the other hand, you also have the Toyota Corolla compact car and the Toyota Camry midsized car, both different by about 4-mpg, but differing by $270 in terms of fuel costs.You would certainly need to keep an eye on the fuel efficiency as this is one of the main determinants before you get buying a car.Fueleconomy.gov's annual fuel cost estimates are based on 15,000 miles per year of driving. This number is evenly split between the city and highway. Before looking at these numbers and trying to apply them to your case, you would do well to look into your case.Factor in All Other CostsBefore buying a car, you would need to factor in the depreciation costs. This is the difference in the cost at which you bought the car, and the price at which you can sell the car, at the time of selling.Let us take the example of The Honda Fit and Ford Focus. These cars do not differ a lot in their prices. The Ford Focus car is lesser efficient in fuel. This almost causes it to lose $3,600 more in depreciation over a period of time as compared to the Honda Fit Model. Depreciation costs thus play a deciding role in making you choose the right car.Just so you know, this depreciation cost would not be too big in difference in the case of cars that are priced similarly.Don't Get Caught Up in HypePeople often make the mistake in thinking that buying hybrid cars would get them to be more fuel-efficient. This is a myth that requires some explanation.Hybrid vehicles are not available a lot in the market. Add to this the fact that some of the non-hybrid vehicles come cheaper than the hybrid vehicles. One of the main reasons for this is the use of hybrid technology in the hybrid vehicles, which makes them a touch expensive.Compare Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 for example. You would find that the Highlander has a fuel economy of 26 mpg. This makes for a spacious and a three-row SUV. On the other hand, you would find the Toyota RAV4 is a touch smaller than the Highlander. With that being said, you would also find that the price of the RAV4 is a touch less.You could look at the Toyota Prius if you are really preoccupied with the thought of buying a hybrid vehicle. This car surely gives good performance and other features that makes it a car to buy for the price you would pay for it.One of the best known cars for effective use of hybrid technology is the General Motors' Saturn Vue Green Line. This car uses a mild hybrid system. Use of the mini hybrid system ensures that the car just does not run on electric power alone.This enables the car to give good fuel economy. Overall, it must be said that the supplies of components for hybrid vehicles are tight.From this summer onwards, you would find a lot diesel trucks hitting showrooms as opposed to the gas trucks. Now, these trucks do have a good fuel economy but are also priced a bit higher than their gas counterparts.Gains on the fuel economy front and a higher resale price of these diesel cars surely should make them good buys over the next couple of years. Considering that these benefits will stay with you for some time to come, you would find that diesel cars are indeed popular.Don't Forget Your Real NeedsOne of the important things you would need to think of is your need. Why do you really want to buy a car? Do you really require a SUV for your driving needs? Get out of the mindset that small cars do not offer space for people to sit in.Small cars like the Nissan Versa offer good legroom and seating space for people to sit in. This could easily be compared to some of the midsized cars like Toyota Camry. One big advantage of using a Versa is its fuel economy. This car runs four miles further than some of the midsized cars thus saving you about $269 every year.One thing you need to look at carefully are the trade-offs. This could hurt you in the longer run, especially if you wish to resale this at some point of time.With most cars, you would need to take into count the advantages of an all-wheel drive. See if it impacts your fuel economy. If it does, you would be advised to stay away from it, because somewhere down the line you would realize that the resale value for such cars is low.Gas prices are an important point to think of before you get buying a new car. With that being said, this surely should not be the only thing that consumes your mind. If you look only at the gas prices and not think of other benefits the car may offer you, you could end up on a losing deal.Posted by Land Of Smile & Car Club at 5:51 AM 0 comments Labels: : Mazda new car review article 2009Friday, August 1, 2008How To Build A Hydrogen Generator To Turn Your Car Into A Water Burning Hybrid : New mazda hydrogen Hybrid car 2008How To Build A Hydrogen Generator To Turn Your Car Into A Water Burning Hybrid by Myla MadsonAlmost a century ago the technology was uncovered that allowed someone to take ordinary water, and by applying a small voltage to it, separate the water molecule into a burnable gas called HHO, or Brown's gas.For decades, folks just like you and I have been building their own hydrogen generators to turn their cars into water burning hybrids. The technology works, it is easy to duplicate, and best of all, you can build your own hydrogen generator for under $65.Sound impossible? Well it isn't. And I should know, my daughter and built our own hydrogen generator over the course of a single weekend, with parts we were able to find locally and with just a couple of common household tools we found out in the garage.If a single mom with limited time on her hands and even less mechanical ability can do it, anyone can!So, how does one go about building their own hydrogen generator to power their car on water and drastically increase their gas mileage? Glad you asked.First and foremost you need to get you a good, easy to follow guide. There are many available on the Internet but they all follow the same theory that if you apply electricity to water you can, through electrolysis, pull the water molecules apart to create a burnable gas that you then inject into the engine intake along with the gas you already use to create a much more efficient fuel source.There are many different configurations and ways to control the voltage that goes to the generator. I choose a fairly basic model and I'm glad that I did. It increased my gas mileage by 25% and was very easy to build and install and did not require any type of engine modification.I've since ordered and looked through some other guides and they range from easy to very difficult and complicated to understand. If you cannot read an electronic schematic or have a butterfly cutter lying about, whatever the heck that is, I'd steer away from the more complicated versions although I'm sure you would probably see better results.No matter, any improvement in gas mileage is pretty awesome and building your own hydrogen generator to battle the big oil companies and tax hungry government is an amazing bonus. Off the subject a bit, but did you know the IRS has a manual on how to collect taxes after a nuclear war? Crazy huh?Anyway, you should give this a chance and do some research. This isn't some gimmick or scam that just popped up to take advantage of the current gas crisis. It has been around forever only it was kept quiet by the powers that be but at some point you can only draw so much blood out of a stone and hard working people the world over have had enough. The word is out and spreading like wild fire!

HONDA CIVIC HYBRID CARby krish1_infotechHONDA CIVIC HYBRID CARIf you are planning for a new car, then think of the new Honda Civic Hybrid. It is the most affordable car and very user friendly. Hybrid is well know for its anti-status symbol and for its good milleage.Its noteworthy technologies make it exceptionally eco-friendly and also makes the Digital Drive winner for best affordable car.The 20-hp electric booster motor is a power booster, the electic motor in Honda's Integrated Motor Assist(IMA) systems is to provide oomph under acceleration. Honda civic Hybrid does not have the ability to crawl away from a stop and around town solely under electric propulsion as its shuts the gasoline engine down at stoplights. To achieve the best fuel economy it is required to learn how the uncluttered gauges in the Honda Civic Hybrid makes the learning curve short.Honda Civic Hybrid has a great design with lots of comfort. There is a touch of whimsy in the fabrics for the cockpit. You can also add the excellent Alpine navigation system, the audio system plays Mp3 and WMA and has a line-in jack and a PC card socket for your music. The dashboard display is wrapped around the driver using a two level scheme that curves the gauges around the steering wheel. The digital system is also a excellent system which describles you how much electricity you are sending to the battery and how much you are using. Fuel is also saved in the car when the gas engine shuts off when you come to a full stop. The latest car has also solved the airconditon problem solved by adding an electric-motor driven portion to the A/C compressor.HONDA CIVIC HYBRID SPECIFICATIONS IN BRIEF:-NAME - CIVICMODEL - HYBRIDTOP SPEED - 165FUEL CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) - 18FUEL CONSUMPTION(CITY) - 14AT-PZEV CARB Emissions RatingIDLE-STOP FEATURESEATING CAPACITY - 5TYRE SIZE AND SUSPENSION - 195/65 R 15. McPHERSON COIL SPRING,DOUBLE WISHBONE.STEERING - POWERBRAKES - FRONT VENTILATED, REAR DISK.GEARS - AUTOMATIC 5160- WATTAM/FM/CD AUDIO SYSTEM WITH 6 SPEAKERS.AVERAGE FUEL CONSUMPTION INDICATOR110-hp, 8-Valve, SOHC, i-VTEC 4-Cylinder Engine CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT)